Justin Welby becomes patron of Christian youth charity

The Archbishop of Canterbury has agreed to take on an ambassadorial role with the national Christian youth charity Youthscape.

The Luton-based organisation works with young people of all different faiths on various different key areas of teenage welfare.

It's recent work includes a resource to help teenagers to engage with inappropriate 'sexting' messages, a national conference for youth workers and a card game to help young people to explore the Christian faith.

Speaking about his new role, Archbishop Justin said: "I'm delighted to lend my support to this wonderful organisation, which balances a passion for young people's social and emotional welfare with an understanding and concern for their spiritual health. They do tremendous work both locally and nationally."

Youthscape's CEO, Chris Curtis, said: "The Archbishop's decision to become a patron of Youthscape is a huge encouragement to our team, and to everyone involved in working with young people. It's fantastic that our Archbishop continually shows such a strong and heartfelt interest in the social, emotional and spiritual welfare of teenagers, and his patronage of Youthscape is a great expression of that."

The Archbishop has supported the charity in a number of ways in recent years including the commissioning of its new £3 million building - Bute Mills in Luton - at a special service.